Master of Religion

I enjoyed this degree path:  “Master of Religion”.  It covered a lot of material from basic to advanced, and was done in a clear and logical way.  The instructor is clearly knowledgeable and sincere.

I was intrigued by the two “versions” of Ten Commandments as given in Exodus and Deuteronomy.

And especially insightful was how the first few verses of the Protestant, Catholic and Hebrew versions of the 10 Commandments in Exodus differ (The Protestant and Catholic versions leaving out the context of who G-d was speaking to).

Also, the instructor said that the Jew and Gentile are saved the same way.

However, some denominations teach the Jew was saved by keeping the law before the time of Christ (BCE, before Common Era), but NOW (CE, Common Era) the Law is done away and everyone is saved by faith.

However:

1. The Dead Sea Scrolls have shed light that the Jews of  BCE  did not believe in salvation by works. They believed they were saved through the Covenant of Abraham, the covenant of faith. And the Law was simply the lifestyle of an already redeemed community. The giving of the Law (Torah), the covenant of Mt. Sinai, does not negate the covenant of Abraham. All of G-d’s covenants are eternal. As an Israelite they were born into the covenant of Abraham. And had a part in the Olam Haba (the World to Come) by virtue of this covenant of faith unless they did something heinous to lose this status. According to Jewish understanding gentiles could also be assured a place in the World to Come by obedience to the covenant they received from G-d through Noah. In which one was considered a Noachide Chassid, a Righteous of the Nations. It too is a faith covenant with the Noachide laws as the halachah, or lifestyle, of  a righteous non-Jew.

“Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God: But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and [from] fornication, and [from] things strangled, and [from] blood. For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath day.” Acts 15:19-21

The Jewish Encyclopedia states that the Acts 15 reference is the first written example of the Noachide laws (outside of the Torah itself).

2. The denominations who claim the Law/Torah is done away cannot even agree on what parts of it are done away. In addition the Torah itself states that it is to endure as long as heaven and earth remains (which were the two witnesses G-d called on to witness the giving of the Torah in the first place).  Jesus agreed saying “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach [them], the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:17.

Also, the Jews that believed in Christ (who constituted the first congregation) continued to keep the Torah/Law:

“And when they heard [it], they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many myriads (tens of thousands) of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law:” Acts 21:20.

Paul is twisted by many to be interpreted that the Law is done away in Christ. I do not believe he taught that. If he in fact did, it would invalidate Paul since he would be contradicting the Torah itself as well as Jesus. Peter warned regarding misinterpreting Paul’s writings by those unlearned in Torah: “As also in all [his] epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as [they do] also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.” 2 Pet 3:16

Also in the course Constantine is mentioned.

True he did stop persecution of the Christians. However, he was no sweetheart. He was the head of the Emperor Cult of his time being worshiped as God (Sol Invictus, the Unconquerable Sun). He merged the prominent state religion of Mithraism with the faith in Christ, creating a new religion. He was a Sun worshiper and murdered some of his family for fear that they might seek his throne. He outlawed the Biblical holy days of Sabbath (the 7^th day) for SUNday (in honor of the Sun God), Passover for Easter (1^st SUNday after the first full moon after the Vernal Equinox, the feast of Ishtar). The church then exterminated those who would not go along with it by abusing the power of the state.

Universal Life Church

Rev. Sheldon Lampson

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Master of Religion

-Alex 

1. Create a list of arguments why the Bible reflects the true word of God the almighty.

The myriad prophecies and their startling accuracy in foretelling future events is a list in and of itself. It has been argued that Jesus Christ is the only man on the planet whose biography was written prior to his birth. Every aspect of his life coincided beautifully with what had been prophesized for countless generations. What other evidence is needed to prove the authenticity of God’s own divine word?

2. Explain the differences between translations and paraphrases.

Translations: the product of taking words written in one language and conveying the same meaning behind those words in another.

Paraphrases: what’s left after condensing one or more phrases into simpler and less wordy text

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Master of Religion

Master Of Religion Lesson 8- The Religious Title

             This Lesson was short, but interesting to the titles of the men and women, with God calling to mankind.  The Religion, Position, and on Envelopes, Salutation, Direct Address helps to correctly write, read, communicate with the formal name calling of God's will for his leaders, and servants. The information did enlighten me with some new and different Religious titles for other beliefs in the high power of God grace and mercy.

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Master of Religion

Universal Life Church

To me, sin is the result of action -- the whole concept of cause and effect, actually. Sin means "choice." If we make wise choices, the consequences are positive, thus generating "good" karma for present and future. If the choice made is such as to bring about "negative" consequences, that is usually what falls into the area of "sin." To me, too, the idea of sin is the consequences that we accrue from actions taken that bring us away from Enlightenment. As a Buddhist, I believe we live in what is known as the Ten Worlds or conditions every second of every moment we live. This means we have the potential of creating everything from hell to Buddhahood each day in our life condition. Sin then means the consequences of living in the lower realms that cause us suffering and pain as opposed to living in the Higher Realms of Buddhanature (Christ-Consciousness) and that is what comprises "sin."

The idea that a God stands in judgment over us for our "sins" is anathema to me. I cannot believe in a God or a Goddess who is waiting with anticipation to punish us for "sinning" against them. First of all, since man was given free will in the Garden of Eden, doesn't that mean just that -- free will? Does not that mean we are ultimately responsible for our actions, that we reap literally what we sow? If so, we don't need a parent to stand over us with a stick, ready to strike -- our own consequences will affect our karma or our Path towards Enlightenment, thus bringing us what we have affected by our causes.

At least that is how I see the idea of "sin." It is what we do to ourselves, to our own spiritual progress. We alone decree our karmic course.

Dr. Bell

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Christian History

By Patrick Schwab

The Beginning

Since the beginning of time we have searched the heavens and within ourselves for answers to that which surrounds us. The mysteriousness of it all draws us to seek out answers that seem to be just out of our gasp as we attempt to understand the dawning of our existent. Some of us have come to the belief that religion, as we know it today is of man and in no way that of a God or gods. However from time to time there are those who come forth with an inner knowledge. People who we know as priests, ministers, Shamans, or Holy men and women who have been instrumental in aiding us in finding our way as we journey on our path of trying to understand this thing we call faith. Some of these men and women have touched the world with their beliefs and their understanding of religion. One such man steps out of the pages of our Christian Bible. We will explore Judaism through his eyes within the Laws Of Moses.

His name is Saul as we entry his story. He is a Jew of the Roman colony of Israel. He was known as Saul of Tarsus chief persecutor of the early Christians.

Shortly after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and his resurrection those who live the Laws of Moses declared war on those who profess Jesus as the messiah. Saul was an enthusiastic member of the Pharisees. A sect within the Jewish faith that promoted purity and fidelity to the Laws of Moses. He meant his means as a tent maker. Saul entries the biblical account as a silent witness to the stoning of Stephen and his blasphemy to the Law. Those who stoned Stephen laid their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. (Acts 8:1) According to Luke, Saul was not actual member of the Sanhedrin that condemned Stephen. But as a member of the Synagogue he may of taken part in the original dispute, and Luke suggest he gave moral consent to the execution which carried as much as the actual deed itself. After this incident Saul begins to participate in the campaign against Christians. Strange as it may sound the wakes of Moses, of Buddha, of Confucius, gave a greater influences over humanity today, than when these men were pondering over faith and happiness.

After Stephen’s stoning those of the Christians sect of Judaism were dispersed throughout the land. They were homeless and driven from Jerusalem. One of the cities where the Christians came was Damascus. A city today consider to be the oldest in existence as well as the oldest continued inhabited and now the capital of Syria. It was a main trade route between the east and west.

Saul knowing this as his reputation grew, as persecutor of Christians, went to the leaders of the synagogue the Sanhedrin and made a case to go to Damascus and bring the Christians bound to Jerusalem.

Now the Apostles (Greek apostolos [person sent]) were in Damascus. These were who Saul sought as he prepared to go.

Now most likely he was given about 20 men from the synagogue guard and they set off for Damascus. Set in their mission they had no idea what laid ahead. As they came upon a rise overlooking the city a bright light appeared. Saul was knocked down and from the light which none had saw brighter a voice came

(Acts 9: 4-9 KJV) 4. and he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul why persecute thou me.

5. and he said who art thou Lord? And the Lord said I am Jesus who thou persecuted; it is hard for thee to kick against the picks.

6. and he trembling and astonished said Lord, what wilt thou have me do? And the Lord said unto him, arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

7. and the men, which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one.

8. and Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were open he saw no man; but they led him by the hand and brought him to Damascus.

9. and he was three days without sight and neither did eat or drink.

Within Damascus was a certain follower of Christ named Ananias. Ananias was a common man and when the Lord in a vision called Ananias, Behold I am the Lord (acts 9:10)

(Acts 9:11-15) [Paraphrased] arise and go to the street, which is called Straight. Now this street was like any street in our cities of the world today where the wine women and desires were plenty. One of those streets where if you wanted it and asked no question for a price it was yours. Ananias wasn’t sure of what he heard let alone of what was to come. The Lord spoke saying Ananias I want you to go to the house of Judas for one called Saul, of tarsus; for behold he prays. He knows from a vision you are coming and you shall lay hands on him and restore his sight.

Ananias wasn’t sure of what he heard. “Lord I have heard of this man how must evil he has brought against the saints in Jerusalem. I know that he has authority to bound all who call upon your name.”

The Lord spoke again to him: Go thy way; for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles and kings; and the children of Israel.

Now in the story of Saul, Ananias is overlooked and cast aside in Paul’s shadow. Yet he played a very important part in what was to become the beginning of the church and spread of Christianity. Ananias was the link from the bright light on the road overlooking Damascus and the journeys to Asia Minor, Greece and into Rome.

Ananias interpreter the experience Saul had happen to him. It was he who translated the blinding light and the directions and duties, which were to come to Saul. He was far a lesser man in terms of worldwide happing but throughout our history a lesser one has launched the greater one. Who in the long run can actually say who is the lesser or the greater?

So reluctantly Ananias went to Straight Street and found the house of Judas. As the story goes he laid hands on Saul and scales fill from his eyes (Acts 9: 18). Then Saul arose and Ananias baptized him. As Saul received food and gained strength he spent days with the disciples.

The other disciples were persecuted men by the Jewish faith. Considered a sect to be destroyed. For they preached this new Messiah message of forgiveness and faith. Interesting is the fact that the Jews believed that Jesus wasn’t the messiah for they expected a warrior like god to lead them out of the roman rule. Now from the very seem ones, who persecuted them, comes into their life a man they all knew to be an enemy of their faith let alone each of them.

So Ananias introduction to them and Saul’s story of his conversion fell on deaf ears. Plus there is some conflict in Saul’s account and that of Luke in Acts.

First lets look at how Saul became Paul. Most likely Saul was his Jewish name and Paul was the name of his Roman citizenship. His Roman citizenship most likely came by mercenary services of his family within the roman army in one or more wars of the empire.

So for his own protection of the persecution he was under with the Jews as well as those of the Christian faith he took on his Roman name for it offered him protection under Roman law.

Paul in Gal. 1:17 claims that right after his conversion he went away to Arabia. But Luke’s account in Acts is historically interesting that he went to the synagogues and immediately proclaimed Jesus. Even tho if the authorities in Damascus had authority to hand over Christians to an emissary from Jerusalem most likely they would of not let him preach the faith they persecuted.

Paul as well had physical handicaps and spiritual weakness. It is not the vessel that counts but the contents, which it holds. The vessels may crack; leak, and sometimes breaks and Paul’s handicaps seem to work against him in his new ministry. Paul as well wasn’t an eloquent speaker either as he struggled to proclaim his message. Yet these very things became his greatest strength.

Of course the first obstacle he had to overcome was his past. All those who knew him or of him held this against him. Just like today when we do wrong no one forgets and when we do right no one remembers. Just a few days before he was the Christians greatest enemy. Then as now it was know a leopard does not change his spots. Nor does a man or women change overnight.

Because of all this the Jews of Damascus plotted to do away with him. Paul having a few faithful friends among the disciples in Damascus and know this managed to get him safely out of the city. His first attempt to preach was a total failure. No one believed him because they knew his past. From Damascus he went to Jerusalem. He found that Jesus new vessel when he found the disciples there did not open their arms for him. For they had not forgotten Stephen and Paul’s part in his stoning for they believed him to be a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

Paul knew all of this, and the Jews watched the gates of Damascus day and night waiting to kill him. So with a few faithful follows they lower him over the wall in a basket and he escaped their gasp and went to Jerusalem. Acts 9:25

We will end here and pick up the story in Jerusalem.

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Mystical Christianity

Final Essay Submitted For The 

Master of Mystical Christianity Course

By Daniel L. Moore

"What Is Mystical About Christianity?"

            Growing Christians, and some who are not, do wonder about the early history of the church.  Occasionally some ancient document related to early Christianity will be found that archeologists and scholars will study.  Some of these documents will often present ideas that seem foreign to orthodox Christian beliefs.  What is a person to do?  Is there something "hidden?"  Do we really have the truth?  These are legitimate questions to ask when one notes that transmission of documents and tradition within the Christian faith has not been smooth.  Wars, persecutions, and divisions within Christendom has caused some degree of loss and confusion.

            I believe some people have had a fascination with the secret and mysterious aspects of faith.  Some do so because they may have experienced oppression.  Others do so because they are not satisfied with the status quo.  Some are like me will study Mystical Christianity with an academic curiosity.

            This course does not limit itself to just the Christian era.  It begins with Genesis.  How did the world come into being?  Other ideas and myths are presented.  The text in question is "re-interpreted."  The danger with this approach is the tendency to diminish the value of God's Word.  It makes it less than divine revelation into a human invention. 

            Another reason for diving into the creation account is to find some way to deal with the feminine side of humanity.  Certain groups within history and within the church have downplayed or suppressed the contribution of women to faith and spirituality.  In several parts of this course it is the work of particular men seeking to instill a patriarchal system.  This does need further study.

            The Person of Jesus Christ is studied at length.  Along with Jesus, this course seeks to elevate other women who worked with Him:  Mary and Mary Magdalene.  In truth, we know very little about these two women from the four Gospels.  The non-canonical gospels are considered in this study as advancing more about these two women of faith.  The trouble with any dependence upon the non-canonical gospels is that they were written after the last witnesses of the resurrection of Christ died.  There were over 500 of them who could verify what Jesus (and these women) taught.  With them out of the way, it is possible that error could creep in and maybe why the early church did not support these other documents. 

     Mary Magdalene is given a lot of space in this course.  There are only 18 verses about her in the four Gospels.  She is a disciple and a witness of the resurrection.  She is not mentioned in Acts.  There is the Gospel of Mary, a non-canonical document, that is fragmentary which some view as revealing a division between Mary and Peter.  

     I wished the author had spent more time on the writings of mystical Christians like Teresa of Avila.  This was what I was hoping for.  These were the ones who spent time in meditation, prayer, and Bible study.  They wrote about their experiences.  This was particularly prevalent in the times of the rise of the monastic movement.  But alas, this discourse took a turn into the practices of the Eastern religions.  The discussion turned to reincarnation and seeking one's ascension.  Neither are supported by the scriptures.

            I did learn how others view Christianity.  I did come to understand the views of those who seek to blend other philosophies and beliefs in an attempt to make Christianity more "palatable" to them.  This course actually caused me to get back into the Scriptures and to compare.  I have left this course with a stronger belief in the orthodoxy of the Christian faith that I possess.  

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The Book of Luke

The Prodigal Son

Verse By Verse

Rev. Patrick T. Kiernan

Below is a verse by verse commentary on the popular teaching of the Prodigal Son found in Luke 15:11-32.

●Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. (Luke 15:11) The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.” (Luke 15:12)

— Even though it would be detrimental for the Father to give the youngest son his share of the property to go astray, the Father still did. God honors man’s free will and choice to do right or wrong. God will not force us to love and to be faithful to him. The Prodigal was about to wreck his life, and the loving Father let him do it.

●Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. (Luke 15:13)

— Prodigal means wasteful. It is from this verse that the younger son becomes known as the Prodigal. NOTE: it was in wild living with sin that all his money was spent. He found such in a distant country away from the Father’s holy presence.

●After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. (Luke 15:14) So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. (Luke 15:15) He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. (Luke 15:16)

— His money was all gone and his lifestyle would have to change. He was so low he longed to fill his stomach with pig food, but got nothing. (This world can be mercilessly cruel.) Before he left the presence of the Father he longed for wild living, but now he was longing to have his stomach filled with animal food.

●When he came to his senses, he said, “How many of my father’s hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death!” (Luke 15:17)

— When he woke up, so to speak, from the delusion he had been in, he realized the Father’s hired hands had food to eat that he didn’t have. (People in sin and away from God are in a deluded spiritual state or they would desire to be in God’s presence.) The misery, regret and pain of living outside of God’s will is also shown in the life of the Prodigal.

●“I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. (Luke 15:18) I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.” (Luke 15:19)

— Now that he came to his senses, after being brought very low, he was willing to turn from sin, admit he sinned and obediently serve the Father. That is repentance exemplified even though the word repent is not found in this teaching.

●So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. (Luke 15:20)

— Here is a wonderfully amazing truth about God and his eager willingness to receive a repentant backslider back home. It is because of God’s compassion that he does this. Notice also that before the Prodigal could say he even sinned and wanted to be made like a hired hand the Father took him back. The Prodigal was in deliberate sin for perhaps many years, but the Father was glad to have him back a changed person from when he left. Also, this is the only time the Father is ever pictured as running.

●The son said to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.” (Luke 15:21) But the father said to his servants, “Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. (Luke 15:22) Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. (Luke 15:23) For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” So they began to celebrate. (Luke 15:24)

— After the prodigal humbly spoke to the Father, the Father didn’t speak back to him here, but instead to his servants. He wanted them to quickly bring the best robe, a ring and sandals for his son who came to his spiritual senses. He also wanted to celebrate with a feast and the fattened calf. Why? Because the Prodigal is no longer spiritually dead and lost, but now spiritually alive again. There is rejoicing when a soul gets saved. Again sin, through the wild living he indulged in, had brought the Prodigal to a spiritually dead and lost condition, which clearly shows that sin can accurately be compared to deadly poison. Finally, even though the Prodigal was dead spiritually, he could still choose to act wisely and repent, which preceded him becoming alive again.

●Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. (Luke 15:25) So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. (Luke 15:26) Your brother has come, he replied, and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound. (Luke 15:27) The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. (Luke 15:28)

— The older brother getting angry to the point of not celebrating against the Father’s will shows how people can unjustly get upset over the mercy shown to one who repents. The turn around of the younger brother no longer being spiritually dead and lost, but now spiritually alive again was the reason they were celebrating. The older brother should have been thrilled like the Father and rejoiced because his soul got saved again.

●But he answered his father, “Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. (Luke 15:29) But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!” (Luke 15:30) “My son,” the father said, “you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. (Luke 15:31) But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” (Luke 15:32)

— The older brother candidly voices his reasons for being upset, that is, he never had even a lesser celebration even though he had been obedient to the Father unlike his younger brother. Jealousy and anger go hand and hand and can be seen here. Again, the Father tells why it was fitting to celebrate in the case of the Prodigal—he was no longer spiritually dead and lost, but now spiritually alive again. In order for the Prodigal to become spiritually alive again shows he was first spiritually alive before he departed from the presence of the Father to be with prostitutes. Then, it was through sin that he became spiritually lost and dead, which was reversed through sincere repentance.

— This teaching of the Lord’s also proves there are two types of spiritually lost people: (1) Those who never came to first time salvation and (2) Those who once did but afterward died spiritually and became lost [again] through sin’s destructive power such as what the prodigal experienced. Certain sins bring forth spiritual death in the life of a real believer. See chapter 7 in The Believer’s Conditional Security.

— This teaching also proves that a backslider can come back to salvation again, which is consistent with James 5:19,20 and Rom. 11:19-23.

— The Prodigal was saved before he entered lifestyle sinning. Some would say if one turns away to that degree he was never really saved, but Jesus refuted that point of Calvinism with this teaching. We could also accurately say the Prodigal dove into wild living and didn’t just fall into it like some wrongly teach is what a saved person might do. The allurements and pleasures of sin (for a short time, Heb. 11:25) are shown here along with the devastation that wickedness leaves for those so deceived. The Prodigal made a complete mess out of his life, but was wise enough to go to God in such a wretched condition. Oftentimes one has to get very low like he was before a turning to God occurs. The Prodigal was certainly happy he turned to God and was glad to be back home once he was received by the Father.

— The eternal security teachers sometimes declare that the Prodigal remained a son all during his wild living with the prostitutes. By doing so they miss the point of Jesus’ teaching that there are different kinds of lost people which he started to teach about at the beginning of Luke 15. Also, by teaching that way such teachers are indirectly saying there are Christians who sin with prostitutes—a painfully clear proclamation of both damnable heresy and a license for immorality. Numerous times we are shown in other Scriptures that it is impossible to be sexually immoral and a Christian simultaneously (1 Cor. 6:9,10; Eph. 5:5-7; Gal. 5:19-21; Rev. 22:15; etc.). Finally, the Prodigal is not actually labeled a son by the Father when he was in unrepentant wickedness. It is glaringly unscriptural to say one is spiritually dead and lost and a son of God at the same time.

— The Prodigal had the best possible life in the Father’s presence but got deceived away from such. It probably happened slowly as he dangerously pondered the devil’s temptations about what (he thought) would be an exciting new life where you can be happy and have lots of friends and fun. There you can party hardy and eat, drink and be merry like the multitudes. Dear reader, remember this: No one can sin and get away with it. The Prodigal was not going to be an exception.

— To reiterate, God took the Prodigal back after he turned from his wickedness to humbly serve him. Such reversed his lost condition. There was instant restoration. God delights to show mercy (Micah 7:18), but with regard to salvation it must be accompanied by sorrow for one’s sins, turning from them and a willingness to serve the Father’s commands—all of which we see in the Prodigal. See also 1 Thess. 1:9b.

— The Prodigal did not have to confess his sins to a priest and say three Our Fathers and three Hail Marys (or the like) to get his sins forgiven. He got mercy and forgiveness directly from God without first going to any other person, including a female figure like Mary. The Father is filled with mercy and compassion for one who is repentant, as the Prodigal was. To represent the Father, under such circumstances, as wrathful is a horrible and dangerous distortion of vital truth related to salvation itself.

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Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.

The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with theUniversal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.

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